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Laptop using 90% RAM when internet is connected!

My daughter was gifted a used laptop for Christmas that she needs to use for homework. I uninstalled some programs she wasn't interested in (mostly games) because it was so slow.

I have found that after the uninstalls the RAM usage starts around 26% (that is, after I can get Task Manager started), then it rises to 45-50%. But when I open Firefox, the Ram stays steady. When I connect the CAT5 cable, the RAM usage runs quickly to 90%- and I can't get any web sites. I also cannot get any applications to run, if they respond at all. Something is using RAM while connected to the Internet?

Previous owner removed some items, not sure what- they left bookmarks (I deleted them) pictures (I deleted thousands) and website logins (now gone). I am just wondering what was deleted.

“Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded and the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics...you are all stardust.”― Lawrence M. KraussA 1792 U.S. penny, designed in part by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, reads “Liberty Parent of Science & Industry.”

The link in my first post gives instructions for using the recovery partition.

It is always best...regardless of how well the computer performs....to reformat and reinstall the OS for security and safety reasons

on a used computer.

“Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded and the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics...you are all stardust.”― Lawrence M. KraussA 1792 U.S. penny, designed in part by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, reads “Liberty Parent of Science & Industry.”

Now laptop freezes after desktop loads. However- I can use the internet with no problems with Safe Mode w/ networking. I looked over an error log, and the most common error was failure to load localhosts. But I can access using safe mode. Still have found no evidence of a partition.

Have you attempted to use the Recovery Partition by following the directions in the link I posted?

If you need further help in reinstalling Windows 7 you can start a new topic in the Windows 7 Forum.

“Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded and the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics...you are all stardust.”― Lawrence M. KraussA 1792 U.S. penny, designed in part by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, reads “Liberty Parent of Science & Industry.”

It's now time to proceed with the factory reset. Before proceeding, please be aware that this factory reset will erase all of the data on your hard drive. It is extremely important to back up any important data. Make sure the computer is connected to a power supply, and do not switch it off or restart it during the process.

Press and hold down the power button for ten seconds to switch off your machine. Next, press and hold the 0 key and, at the same time, tap the power button once to switch on your PC. When the machine starts beeping, release the 0 key.

A warning message will appear on-screen, prompting you to verify your system recovery. Select Yes to continue.

Next, select the Recovery of Factory Default Software option, followed by Next. Then choose Recover to out-of-box state, and click Next once more to start the recovery.

“Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded and the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics...you are all stardust.”― Lawrence M. KraussA 1792 U.S. penny, designed in part by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, reads “Liberty Parent of Science & Industry.”

“Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded and the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics...you are all stardust.”― Lawrence M. KraussA 1792 U.S. penny, designed in part by Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, reads “Liberty Parent of Science & Industry.”